Page 86 of Plug and Drain

“Females can be alphas too,” Susie pointed out. “Also, he said that one time.”

And Harry talks a lot of shit, Susie thought but did not say it out loud. Undermining Harry was not something she would ever do, even if he hadn’t been the co-alpha of their pack. He had a good heart, and she appreciated his candidness, even if his big mouth did sometimes get him into trouble.

And push others away.

“You never know; he may very well be interested in you,” Susie said encouragingly.

Sarah mumbled something that sounded like ‘doubt it’ amidst a mouthful of cookie.

“I think you should take a chance. Tell him how you feel about him.”

“That he’s a smartass?”

“Maybe elaborate a little more.”

“He’s a neurotic smartass?”

“That’s a start,” Susie said, exchanging a smile with Sarah. “Seriously, what’s holding you back?”

“I’m a year older.”

“And?”

“And I’m too fucking tall,” Sarah complained, shoving the rest of the cookie into her mouth.

Susie squeezed her shoulder. “Those don’t sound like problems to me. You’re just overthinking it.”

And making excuses.

“Well…” Sarah swallowed her food and went for another cookie. “There’s the fact that he’s a neurotic, incessant smartass.”

Susie chuckled. “That is a problem.”

“Right?”

They both laughed, and Susie pulled Sarah into an awkward half-hug, bringing them to a halt in the middle of the corridor. “Let’s just see how tonight goes, all right?”

“All right.”

Susie drew back, holding Sarah’s hand while balancing the tray of cookies in the other. “Take a deep breath.”

Sarah inhaled, and following Susie’s lead, slowly let it out, the tension visibly leaving her tall frame.

Susie nodded. “Good. Now, let’s have fun. All right?”

Sarah nodded as well, her expression brightening. “All right.”

They rounded the corner. This part of the academy was darker with fewer magical torches to light the way, but the tall windows cast ghostly moonlight into the narrow passage.

Further along, the passage opened into a large hall. The library waited at the far end, its internal windows glowing gold with floating mage lights, blinking softly like welcome beacons amidst the bookshelves.

Suddenly, a group of dark figures emerged from an alcove up ahead.

Fear struck her as she recognised their hulking figures. Four wolves. One of them ganglier, his distinctive wispy hair causing her insides to churn with dread.

“Oh, Susie,” he drawled.

“Oscar,” she gasped under her breath, her hold tightening on Sarah’s arm as she ground to a halt.